Expanded Background Checks Are Delaying Cases Across the Board

On April 27, 2026, USCIS began a strengthened screening and vetting process requiring new FBI background checks on pending cases. Officers have been directed to re-run fingerprints and re-check biometrics on cases where checks were submitted earlier, and to look more closely at social media, tax filings, and employment history. The result has been holds and long delays across adjustment of status, asylum, naturalization, family petitions, and employment filings.

The government has also created a dedicated unit to re-examine people who already hold green cards for signs of fraud in how they obtained status, and has expanded efforts to strip citizenship from naturalized citizens in cases alleging fraud in the original application.

If your case has stalled, the practical steps are the same: keep a USCIS online account and check it regularly, report any address change within 10 days, attend every biometrics appointment, and file an inquiry once your case passes posted processing times. Do not travel internationally with a pending application without checking with a lawyer first.

Answer any Request for Evidence completely and on time. If you are a green card holder or naturalized citizen contacted about your original application, or asked to attend an unexpected interview, speak with an immigration attorney before responding — these interviews can have serious consequences.